Messier Gallery

M42, the Orion Nebula, a 3rd-magnitude emission nebula in Orion.

M42 is easily seen in a dark sky. Only the central portion of the nebula is shown (the
entire nebula is far too large to fit in the field of view). Images showing M42's full
extent can be found here. Image taken on December 4,
1993; exposure length and time unknown.